Transform Gov - the digital government podcast

Ready to find out how data is transforming public policy? In Part 2 of our conversation with Martin Quigley, Head of Data and Analytics at Pobal, we explore practical insights and game-changing strategies for leveraging data in the public sector.What you’ll gain from this episode:✅ Actionable Advice: How to kickstart data-driven decision-making, including the role of governance in maximising outcomes.✅ Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Gains: Demonstrating early value without compromising foundational governance.✅ High-Value Data Projects: Insights from projects like the HRB(Health Research Board) and NDTRS (National Drug Treatment Reporting System) reporting system, showcasing the power of linking datasets for impactful research.✅ Empowering Data Entry Teams: Helping frontline workers see the bigger picture—how their efforts shape future policies.✅ Building Trust in Data: Transparency, quality, and accessibility as the foundation of impactful analytics.What’s new in this episode?Discover the story behind Pobal Maps, with 500k views in the last 12 months, and how GIS technology boosted the usability of the HP Deprivation Index.Learn how Pobal collaborates with public sector users to create bespoke dashboards and track the impact of interventions over time.Explore the role of open data in making the HP Deprivation Index accessible for policy-making and research.Hear about Martin’s vision for the future, including generative AI innovations and strategies to prepare the workforce for the next wave of transformation.Why listen?Martin offers invaluable insights into tackling resistance to data governance, creating impactful data products, and integrating advanced technologies like AI into public sector workstreams.Hear how data can transform policymaking to create smarter, more responsive governments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that uncover the future of digital government!🔗www.digitalgovawards.com#TransformGov #DataDrivenPolicy #PublicSectorInnovation #PobalMaps #GenerativeAI #DigitalGovernment

In this episode Martin Quigley, Head of Data and Analytics at Pobal, explores how data is transforming policymaking and ensuring government supports reach those who need them most. With Pobal’s workforce growing from 220 to 720 people in just nine years—and its analytics team expanding to 32 experts—Martin reveals the critical role of data in shaping Ireland’s public policies.From answering over 1,200 Oireachtas questions annually to producing insights that guide early interventions for disadvantaged children, Martin shares invaluable tips on data management and governance frameworks that are relevant to anyone in the public sector.🎥 Watch now to learn how data is driving smarter decisions and creating real impact across Ireland! Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into transforming the public sector. 🔔

Is our cultural heritage at risk of fading away in the digital age? In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Dr. Lisa Griffith, Director of the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) and winner of the Open Data Ireland eGovernment Award. Dr. Griffith shares how the DRI is safeguarding Ireland’s rich digital heritage, from pivotal moments like the Repeal the 8th Amendment campaign to the folklore of the Traveller community. Discover how open access to large and diverse collections not only enriches research but also keeps Ireland’s story alive on a global stage.Tune in to learn why preserving digital records is crucial for public sector organisations of all kinds and explore the DRI’s vision for a future where Ireland’s history is open, accessible, and secure for generations to come!

Ever wondered how apprenticeships can be a game-changer for tech talent in the public sector? In this episode of Transform Gov, we spotlight the FIT program, which has trained nearly 1,000 apprentices in software development, cybersecurity, networking, and more. With 70% of tech roles suited to intermediate skills, apprenticeships offer a smart, cost-effective solution, keeping top talent focused on high-priority work while developing new tech professionals. The best part? 85% of apprentices stay on with their employer after qualifying—boosting retention and creating dedicated, homegrown teams.🎥 Watch the teaser below and tune in to see how apprenticeships are opening doors to high-impact tech roles! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more insights on transforming public service! #TransformGov #Apprenticeships #TechCareers #PublicSectorInnovation

We're excited to introduce HSE innovation champion Anna Marie Kiernan, whose dedication to finding effective solutions for chronic pain patients has led to a groundbreaking outcome. With a relentless drive to improve quality of life, Anna Marie’s work has brought virtual reality into the pain management toolkit, transforming how patients experience relief and resilience.Joining her is Niall O'Driscoll, Joint CEO of ShineVR, the company behind this innovative VR solution. Together, they’re pioneering a unique approach that could reshape pain management across Ireland. Listen in as they share the journey, insights, and transformative impact of VR in healthcare—an inspiring testament to what’s possible when technology meets compassionate care.

Enjoy a transformation masterclass with Kathrin Chambers, Digital Marketing Manager at Fáilte Ireland (tourism board), to explore their successful digital transformation journey along with the story of their award-winning 'Keep Discovering Car-Free' campaign which earned them the Ireland eGovernment Marketing Award.Kathrin shares valuable insights into how they shifted their focus from brands to visitors first and defined clear goals for what success looked like.Discover how Fáilte Ireland streamlined their digital properties, consolidating websites from seven to three and optimising social channels with a headless CMS for seamless updates. Kathrin also reveals how they kept senior leadership engaged through show-and-tell sessions, documented their learnings in a wiki for future projects, and how their front-office team played a pivotal role during COVID, updating core databases and driving a surge in digital referrals for tourist organisations.Don’t miss this deep dive into Fáilte Ireland’s innovative strategies for digital growth and success!

In Part 2 of this eye-opening interview with Fingal County Council’s Aisling Hyland, we discover the innovative use of virtual reality (VR) in Fingal Libraries that landed them the top spot in the Education category of the Ireland eGovernment Awards! Find out how citizens of all ages—from 13 to 89—are embracing VR for experiences as diverse as virtual mountain biking, creating spray art in New York, and exploring Anne Frank’s hideaway. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing how technology can open up entirely new worlds in a local library setting.Find out how with the help of Meta and Eirmersive have helped shape this pioneering initiative, and hear Aisling’s insights on how Fingal is overcoming challenges to make VR a success—including securing buy-in from librarians, who are crucial to keeping the VR headsets in action.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a public sector innovator, or simply curious about the future of libraries, this episode offers valuable insights into how VR is engaging communities in entirely new ways.Watch now to be inspired by how VR is transforming public services—and don’t forget to subscribe for more future-focused content from Transform Gov!👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you believe in the power of tech for public good! 🔔

In this exciting episode of Transform Gov, we speak with Aisling Hyland, Digital Programme Officer at Fingal County Council who were the Overall Winners of the 2024 Ireland eGovernment Awards! Aisling shares how cutting-edge technology like VR, 3D, and web views transformed how citizens engage with large public realm developments, including the revitalisation of Balbriggan's beach and main street. With the help of RealSim’s gaming technology, they built a digital twin of the area, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the proposed plans and provide feedback like never before. Discover how Fingal overcame challenges in visualising complex projects, increased public consultation by 140%, and adjusted their plans during the pandemic by creating web-accessible views. Aisling also offers invaluable advice to other local authorities on adopting digital twins and shares a bold vision for the future of this technology in shaping public spaces far beyond planning consultations. 🌍Tune in for an inspiring look at how digital innovation is shaping the future of public services!

In this episode of Transform Gov, we explore the innovative FIT apprenticeship program, a fast-track initiative designed to propel individuals with the right aptitude and attitude into successful careers in tech—no need for top CAO points.We had the privilege of speaking with two current apprentices and a mentor, who shared their inspiring journey. They explained how they applied to the program, managed by FIT for the Irish public sector (applications available on www.publicjobs.ie), and the unique learn-and-earn model that combines hands-on experience with invaluable mentorship.This program is revolutionizing public service recruitment, providing a diverse talent pipeline for those eager to make a meaningful impact on society, not just profits. It’s a brilliant opportunity for anyone looking to take a different route into the tech industry, one where their work benefits the nation.